Welcome BBQ

Our Lady Of Lourdes -Blessed Virgin Mary Feast Day Prayer (11 Feb)

Oh, ever immaculate Virgin,

Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick,

Refuge of Sinners, Comfortess of the Afflicted,

you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings.

Look upon me with mercy.

When you appeared in the grotto of Lourdes,

you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favours,

and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities,

both spiritual and corporal.

I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession.

My loving Mother, obtain my request.

I will try to imitate your virtues so that I may one day share your company and bless you in eternity.

Amen.

Thank you to our parents who attended the Welcome BBQ and the information sessions. It was wonderful to see so many families participate and to have no COVID restrictions. There was a beautiful atmosphere in the school, hopefully, setting the tone for the remainder of the year. Thank you very much to our Friends of Holy Cross for organising the BBQ, and to all the students, parents and staff that assisted.

Anniversary of National Apology Day 13 February

The ‘National Apology’ to Stolen Generations survivors occurred on 13 February 2008, spoken by Minister Kevin Rudd, on behalf of the Federal Government. The Stolen Generations refers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities as children. Students will acknowledge this day and be made aware on Monday.

https://www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament/Art/Exhibitions/Custom_Media/Apology_to_Australias_Indigenous_Peoples

Decommission of CEWA’s Covid-19 Form and Portal

On 4 November 2022 Western Australia’s State of Emergency and the Public Health State of Emergency formally concluded. At this time, Western Australia transitioned into the final recovery phase of ‘Living with COVID-19’, marking a major milestone in the State’s successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2023, COVID-19 community case numbers have remained manageable with no indication of a requirement to return to a Temporary COVID-19 Declaration. For this reason, the Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form and CEWA COVID-19 Portal will be decommissioned on Monday 13 February 2013.

Student absences due to COVID-19 must be reported to schools via normal attendance procedures; it will not be possible for reports to be received via the platform any longer.

Swimming Carnival

Best wishes to all the participants in the Secondary Inter-House Swimming Carnival on Monday. Students can participate no matter what their swimming level, as there will be games in the shallow end of the pool. The more participation for the House, the more points awarded. Please ensure you have hats, and plenty of water and sunscreen. You will be able to refill your water bottles.

Junior School Sport

Today the Year Three to Six students experienced their first session of combined sports. The students participated well, and It was a great success. Thank you to Phys Ed teacher, Glen Downing, Mel Carrara, and the Junior Staff.

Year Twelve Ball

Our Year Twelves enjoyed their School Ball at Caversham House. The students took the time to ensure they looked amazing, which they did! Thank you to Inter-relationship’s Leader, Jamie Gotti and staff for the planning, preparation, and participation. It was a wonderful evening with lots of dancing. The Year 12 students are very connected and supportive of one another.

Community Mass

Our College Welcoming Mass for 2023 will take place on Tuesday at 9am in our LIMA Sports Centre. Please feel welcome to attend.

Census Day

The College Census day is next Friday 17 February. The attendance and enrolment data are directly linked to our funding. Attendance data will be uploaded on this day.

St Valentine

St. Valentine was a Roman priest. He was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians being persecuted by Claudius in Rome. Both acts were considered serious crimes. St. Valentine was arrested again for continuing to try to convert people to Christianity. St. Valentine refused to renounce his faith and Christianity and was executed outside the Flaminian Gate on February 14, 269.

The romantic nature of Valentine’s Day may have derived during the Middle Ages, when it was believed that birds paired couples in mid-February.

Although the exact origin of the holiday is not widely agreed upon, it is widely recognised as a day for love, devotion, and romance.

Whoever he was, Valentine did really exist, because archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to St. Valentine. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honour of his martyrdom.

(Derived from https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=159)

Happy Valentine’s Day for Tuesday!

I wish our Community a safe and rewarding weekend.

Julie Hornby

PRINCIPAL